Monday marks the start of New Zealand’s annual celebration of two-wheeled transport - Bike Wise Month - and Kiwis of all ages are being encouraged to give cycling a go at one of hundreds of events taking place across the country throughout February.

NZTA National Manager Road User Behaviour Michael Cummins said Bike Wise Month was aimed at highlighting the benefits of cycling and getting as many New Zealanders as possible onto their bikes.

“Seventy percent of New Zealand families with children have one or more bicycles at home. Cycling is a fun, healthy and environmentally-friendly form of transport that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy. We hope people will jump on their bikes this month and give it a go.”

Mr Cummins said cycling could also help keep the bank balance healthy, with transportation costs accounting for about 14 percent of the average household budget.

“One third of all vehicle journeys in New Zealand are less than five kilometres in length - an easy distance to cover by bike. Using a bike instead of the car for quick trips like this can add up to serious savings on petrol, parking and car maintenance.”

Mr Cummins said cycling also had significant health benefits.

“More than half of all New Zealanders don’t meet recommended guidelines for physical activity each week, and according to the World Health Organisation, New Zealand has the third highest obesity rate in the OECD. World Health Organisation research has shown that those who cycle to work experienced a 39% lower mortality rate than those who don’t.”

Bike Wise Month is jointly funded by the NZTA and the Ministry of Health. Hundreds of bike-friendly events are being staged across New Zealand as part of the celebration.

Bike Wise Month 2010 Activities

• Go By Bike Day: On Wednesday 17 February New Zealanders are being encouraged to bike to work or school instead of going in the car. Breakfast events, including free food and entertainment, are being held in more than 50 locations. See www.bikewise.co.nz/Site/events for your nearest Go By Bike Day.

• Mayoral Challenge: Held on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the month: New Zealand towns and cities will compete for the honour of the most ‘Cycle Mad City’ by getting as many people as possible to follow their Mayor on a gentle bike ride. The title of Cycle Mad City will go to the town or city with the highest percentage of their population joining in on their Mayoral Challenge. In 2009 Mayoral Challenges were held in 48 centres involving more than 14,000 participants.

• Bike Wise Challenge: This is a fun, free, online competition which encourages organisations to get their staff on their bikes for Bike Wise Month. Organisations of a similar size compete against each other in each region to see who can get the highest percentage of members/staff in the saddle. Held throughout February 2010, the Challenge is open to any New Zealand company or organisation. The aim of the Challenge is to encourage as many people as possible to try out cycling as a fun and healthy way to get around. See www.bikewisechallenge.co.nz

For detailed information on Bike Wise Month visit www.bikewise.co.nz